An Open Letter to Mdm Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines

Dear Madame President:

As many Filipinos recently celebrated the triumphant victories of Manny Pacquiao and Efren Penaflorida, highlighting Filipino resolve and dedication in the international arena, it is so disheartening and shocking -- frustrating to say the least to learn about the events that unfolded in Maguindanao. Under no circumstances that 57 innocent people, or possibly even more, have to die needlessly that can ever be humanly justified.

As president of the Philippines, we now turn to you for leadership. As you can see, or perhaps feel, the people DEMAND action: decisive, rapid, relentless, fair, and appropriate.

However, the last thing the people want is to see further escalation of violence causing more hardship, spilled blood, and more children orphaned. To ease restlessness and tension, not only in Maguindanao, but to worldwide Filipinos, we feel that at the minimum, the following actions MUST be taken without delay:

1. Immediate action in delivering justice.
2. Conduct an impartial and thorough investigation.
3. Arrest suspects without delay.
4. Place suspects on the "No Fly" list.
5. Restoration of peace and order.
6. Relieve military and police commanders in the area -- immediately.
7. The disbandment of all para-military, and private armies in the area, and the entire country.
8. Hold everyone accountable in the line of command responsibility. No exceptions.

Furthermore, those who are directly involved must be punished to the fullest extent the laws of the land will allow.

Mrs. President, you are the leader of the land, we respect the position and rightfully so. But its time to STOP the talking, and do more of the walking! Action is demanded. It's time for INTEGRITY to be the preeminent rule in political service.

Yours truly,

The Administrators and Members of Definitely Filipino

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About Definitely Filipino

We are the largest Filipino-related internet group with close to 400,000 members. Our members represent Filipinos through all walks of life, in every corner of the world. The internet and Facebook group was formed to promote national pride and connect all Filipinos worldwide. It was founded in July 2009.

The URL is: http://www.facebook.com/i.am.filipino

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